we often measure the success or failure of an individual based on the most recent fruit hanging from his/her tree

when the true "test" should be to measure the strength of the root

will I bear fruit every season or simply just this once?

that is the more important question; does the tree have the strength to weather all storms​the apples of today won't tell us; the roots in the ground (though hidden from view) will lead us most closely to a true answer